A new champion will be crowned in the 2018 Sankar Cement-TNPL when Dindigul Dragons meet Siechem Madurai Panthers in the final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, Aug 12 (7.15 p.m. start).

Dindigul Dragons:

Strengths:

Strong batting unit. Captain N Jagadeesan is the third highest run-getter in the tournament with 345 runs (average 69). Opener Hari Nishaanth and middle-order batsman R Vivek (highest strike rate in the tournament) occupy the 6th and 7th spot respectively in the tournament’s run-tally.

Weaknesses:

Although they bowled well in the last match, they had a solid total to back them. The inexperienced bowling attack still has a point to prove.

Opportunities:

Jagadeesan took over the leadership role following R Ashwin’s departure for the England Test series after three matches. Young Jagadeesan has an opportunity to clinch Dindigul Dragons’ maiden title.

Threats:

Dragons have a tendency of losing quick wickets in the death overs. A poor finish may cost them the championship.

Siechem Madurai Panthers:

Strengths:

Opener KB Arun Karthik starred in the team’s win over Lyca Kovai Kings and is in very good form. He is the tournament’s leading run-getter with 397 runs, including five fifties (average 66.17).

Weaknesses:

Apart from Arun Karthik, no one else has been consistent with the bat for Madurai Panthers. Their second-highest run-getter has scored half of what Arun Karthik did (T Sargunam 191 runs).

Opportunities:

Panthers failed to defeat Dindigul Dragons even once in four meetings over three seasons. This is a golden chance to snap the losing streak.

Threats:

Panthers’ bowling was ineffective in Qualifier 1, they will have to come up with something new.